The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-11-28

AfHNh as hiillilk llllS Iilttc at any conspiracy
gave his reasons in the most positive terms
possible and with an earnestneSs that left no
doubt whatever of his sincerity. Mr.. Jones
reclted, with some show of bitterness, that
while his record i'll the Senate was clean,
while he never had accepted a bride, but
had ON the contrary, saved the country
millions of dollars" some of his compan-
ions, with no greater opportunities, had be-
come rich by allowing monOpolieS to flourish
where timely legislation would have cut
them down.
Coming then directly to the matter of his
leaving Washington the second time, in
July, 1885, the ex-senator said he did so
solely because he believed an investigation
INTO certain matter was coming, in which
some of his friends had been dishonesty in
terested.' 1t was certain that if an investi-
CATION was begun he would he called as a
witness, and knowing what he did and be-
ing unable to give false testimony, even to
save the regulations of friends, he chose in
stead to leave Washington till the squat
should blow over. Then, however, came
the newspaper comments because of his alb
sence, and he the more easily cultivated a
feeling of resentment and stubbornness be-
cause about the SAINT time he became con-
WINGED of the existence of what he has called
the conspiracy to ruin him.
81 don't yet just know what we will do
with father" John Jones, the ex-Senators
second son, said this evening. 81 am very
much afraid that he can never be persuaded
to quietly leave Detroit. He is very stub
born on this point"
do you consider his mind affectedm
Il hardly know what to think. 1t is true
that father was for time partially insane,
but that was always regarded as the result
of sabre wound and not hereditary.
Father has always been in excellent health
| am in sore straits regarding the proper
thing to be done in the matter"
Ex-senator Jones was seen in the Office of
the Griswold House late this afternoon. He
entered the office with firm tread, twirling
his cane in the manner which has grown
habitual to him. His conversation is en-
tirely rational and he does not seem to ma
terially differ, except in the matter of attire,
from his appearance in his days of pros
perity.
1.-The day is not far distant" he said, lead
ing the way to a retired seat, when the
newspapers will bitterly regret this attack
upon me. It has always been the way of
the world to attack everything that is good
and everything that it cannot understand
If had used the advantages offered by my
seat in the Senate to become rich man, no
one would have had word to say against
me to-day; but that [ did not do, | went
into the Senate poor man and came out of
it poorer one, but it will all come right
some day. | am a firm believer in the doc
trine that all things eventually find the
proper level. Everything that | have been
and leave my official record to speak for
itself-was accomplished by my own exer-
lions.
II landed in this country from Ireland
with my widowed mother, away back in
the forties, when | was but twelve years of
age. We were almost entirely without
means. Chance took us to Florida, where I
started in to make man of myself and be-
come somebody in the world. In all my
previous life had not to exceed a year and
a half of schooling. During those early
years in Florida | worked like the veriest
slave by day, and studied by the light of a
pine knot or tallow dip far into the nights.
In this way fitted myself for the bar, to
which / was admitted in 1858. The records
of my legal career are scattered all over
Florida, and lap over into several other
States. had to fight against race preju-
dices, and was entirely without backing or
of legal distinction before entering upon a
political career. | was particularly versed
in all matters pertaining to constitutional
law, and was quite universally regarded as
an authority upon that subject.
my political career began with being
elected to the Legislature. | was member
of the Legislature which sent me to the
OeIldU6 III lSff. UIdu ulIl0 IuH career
has been national property. 1t may be that
have endowed the office of Senator with
high and holy qualities which it does not
rightfully possess but entered the Senate
Chamber with reverent tread, and never
quite lost my veneration for it. / lost sight
of all selfish ambitions and tried to give my
life and my best efforts to my country
That is why come forth both poor and
pure. wish it understood" and the eyes
of h. cpoy1rNod until,
shat I still have friends in Florida. Had
chosen to return to the Senate could readily
have done so.
''And your plans for the futures"
Mr.. Jones rose slowly and with much dig
nifty to his feet "That, sir, is subject
upon which will not talk. l defy the pa
pers which have tried to vihfy me-" and he
walked quickly and firmly out of the hotel
Although he was reported to be penniless on
Tuesday night, he was seen to have large
roll of bills in his possession last evening
the presumption being that the published
articles had called some friend to his relief
William H. Hughes, of the Michigan
Catholic, met Senator Jones to-day and en-
deavored to counsel him regarding his pres
ent course and future prospects. Don't
you advise me, sir" commanded the Sena-
tor. Neither you nor your friends must
direct my private affairs. They have enough
to do in looking after their own. l know
what they will never know until l choose to
divulge it. When the proper time comes
will make such disclosures as will electrify
Detroit, the State of Michigan and the whole
United States. 1t will make every hair on
your head stand Mr.. Hughes"
eff you knew anything so startling YOU
would have told it long ago."
''Would 1? That's your opinion, sir.
have held my peace for three years, and
will not speak until the full time has come
Then will show myself the man for the
emergency. Every enemy of mine will be
brought to a terrible accounting. These
newspapers that are now discussing me as
private citizen WILDE made to answer for
every word. The reckoning will come"
A subscription paper for his benefit is be-
ing circulated among his friends. Jones'
son John had another interview with his
father to-day. To all entreaty the ex-Sena-
tor was deaf. 81 will stay right here in
Detroit until 1 vindicate myself and tri-
umph over my enemies" was the sum of
the old mans answer.
''What means do you intend to employ to
do it!"
THAT is my own business" And here
the interview ended A friend of Mr. Jones
SAYS the latter believes that James G.
Blaine was once at the head of the con-
spiracy against him. To get even with him
Jones was in the habit at one time of send
ing Blaine newspapers with anti-Jon COM
ment i'll them, and of writing on the margin
"What do you think of this, you villainr